Hometown Hero: Mia Crudale, Rhode Island College

PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI) — This week’s Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses Hometown Sports Hero is Mia Crudale.

The Rhode Island College Freshman’s debut Softball season has been special, with a 12-1 record and a 2.86 ERA helping the Anchorwomen to a 22-10 mark.      

“Well, honestly, I knew Mia as a formidable pitcher; I knew she was going to come in and do a job,” said RIC Head Softball Coach Lauren Hatfield. “I didn’t expect her to do as well as she’s doing. I mean sometimes there’s a Freshman transition when they go from High School to College, but she’s been really you know, holding it down for us. She gets the job done and we’ve been able to support her with runs, but she’s really done an awesome job this year.”

Her transition eased by her older sister, Sophia, a Senior Outfielder.

“I think it definitely has; she’s been my captain for the whole season, and she really just does the best she can do to inspire me and help me grow,” Crudale said. “Just looking up to her.”

Mia success on the mound has her ranked 1st in the Little East Conference in wins and ninth in ERA, making her an excellent candidate for the League’s Rookie of the Year award. A strong finish to her debut campaign would be an important building block for her future.  

“It’s been great. Everyone is so supportive of each other, and we have our backs for anything,” Crudale said. “And just playing how we have been playing, has been really exciting because I love seeing everyone succeed.”  

“The skies the limit, I mean I think she could probably, if she continues on this path, be one of the best pitchers to ever come here,” Hatfield said. “I really hope she stays focused with it, buys into the workout aspect of it, and really just focus on what she does well and not worry too much about what’s going on around her and just does her job.”   

If you have a Hometown Sports Hero you’d like to nominate, email sports@wpri.com

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